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Saturday, September 23, 2023
HomeCancer Survivor StoriesRachael Pereira (Ovarian Cancer): Indulge More in Self-Care

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Rachael Pereira (Ovarian Cancer): Indulge More in Self-Care

I had just turned 21 when my health started deteriorating a bit. I thought it was normal because of the lifestyle and work, but my health kept on deteriorating more and more. I rushed to the hospital and found that I had a tumor that needed to be operated on urgently.

Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

I went into the emergency ward, had a constant fever, and was not able to sit or stand. The next morning I was rushed for various tests, and when the reports came, I got to know that I had a tumor that was twisted around the abdomen. I underwent a five and a half hours long Surgery.Post my surgery, I had 27 stitches and many other things that felt like torture. I wanted to get rid of everything. After seven days, I started walking and getting back to normal.

After one week, when the tumor marker results came, I learned that it was Ovarian Cancer. I kept on denying it and kept on trying to sink in that it was true. Later, we got a call that we had to consult an oncologist. When we went to the oncologist, he said that I had to undergo Chemotherapy. I couldn’t handle what was happening around me. I had already gone through a lot, but I always had a smile on my face.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment

The doctors were really amazing. I knew I was in good hands, and I felt safe. The doctor said the Ovarian Cancer was in the initial stage, and therefore, I would need only six Chemotherapy sessions. I cried a lot, but I was ready to fight. My best friend, who happened to be a doctor, helped me a lot on the nutrition side.

I underwent the Chemotherapy sessions. My friend prepared a chart for me for what I should and should not do. I followed a pattern of five chemotherapies in a week and then took twenty days break.

I got my hair shaved and didn’t have many side effects. Initially, I was told that I would have to go through six Chemotherapy sessions, but then just after four sessions of chemotherapy, the doctors said I was cancer-free. I was ecstatic after hearing that, and I felt like dancing.

We used to take an extra three pairs of clothes to the hospital in case of any emergency, but we took our bags and directly went to Goa. Now, I go for follow up once in six months.

Parting Message

Be grateful for every little thing. Appreciate every little moment of your life. Hold on to hope. Indulge more in self-care and do something to pamper yourself. Believe in yourself.

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